'SAVE YOURSELF AND THOSE WHO LISTEN TO YOU

'Pay Attention to Your Teaching

Our assignment includes not only preaching but also teaching. Jesus commissioned us to teach people to observe all the things he commanded. True, in some territories, few seem to want to learn about Jehovah. But having a negative view of the territory can impede our efforts to start Bible studies. Yvette, a pioneer in a territory that some had called fruitless, noticed that visitors to the area, who did not have such a negative attitude, started home Bible studies. After she adopted a more positive outlook, Yvette too found people who wanted to study the Bible.

Some Christians may hesitate to offer to study the Bible with interested ones because they do not feel that they could conduct a study. Granted, we have differing levels of ability. But we do not have to be highly skilled to succeed as teachers of God's Word. The pure message of the Bible is powerful, and Jesus said that sheeplike ones know the voice of the true Shepherd when they hear it. Our task, then, is simply to convey the message of the Fine Shepherd, Jesus, as clearly as we are able to. -John 10:4, 14.

How can you convey Jesus' message more effectively? To begin with, familiarize yourself with what the Bible says about the topic under consideration. You have to understand a subject yourself before you can teach it to others. Also, try to maintain a dignified but friendly atmosphere during the study. Students, including very young ones, learn better when they are relaxed and the teacher shows them respect and kindness. -Proverbs 16:21.

As a teacher, you do not want merely to present the facts for the student to repeat by rote. Help him to understand what he is learning. A student's education, life experience, and familiarity with the Bible will affect his comprehension of what you are saying. Therefore, you might ask yourself, 'Does he grasp the significance of the scriptures cited in the study material?' You can draw him out with questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no but that require an explanation. (Luke 9:18-20) On the other hand, some students hesitate to question a teacher. Thus, they may go along without fully comprehending what they are being taught. Encourage the student to ask questions and to tell yo when he does not fully understand some point. -Mark 4:10; 9:32, 33.

And important purpose of conducting a Bible study is to help the student become a teacher. (Galatians 6:6) To that end, as a review of your study, you might ask him to explain a point to you in simple terms,as if he were explaining it to someone hearing it for the first time. Later, when he becomes qualified to participate in the ministry, you can invite him to join you in the field. He will likely feel comfortable working with you, and the experience will help him grow in confidence until he is ready to go out in the ministry on his own.

Next time: Help the Student to Become Jehovah's Friend

Watchtower, 2000